Halong Bay Travel Guide
Halong Bay (meaning “Bay of Descending Dragons”), in northeast Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site area renowned for its emerald waters and 1,969 towering and rainforest covered and sometimes inhabited limestone islands.
Jump on a junk boat tour or sign up for a sea kayak expedition and visit the islands, the biggest being Cat Ba Island and Tuan Chau Island. Others are named after their shapes, such as Teapot Islets and Stone Dog.
Visitors often travel to Halong to participate in scuba diving, rock climbing, caving and hiking, particularly in the mountainous Cát Bà National Park region.
With an array of activities, visitors to Halong Bay may wish to allocate a few days to fully explore this beautiful and quite magical region.
Top booked hotels in Halong Bay
Royal Halong Hotel
Centrally located in Ha Long City, Royal Halong Hotel features an indoor pool, a business centre and spacious rooms with views of the Halong Bay. Royal Halong Hotel is just 1 km to Bai Chay Beach and SunWorld Park and within 2.5 km to Bai Chay Bridge. Noi Bai International Airport is approximately a 2 hour and 30-minute drive away.
Wyndham Legend Halong
Featuring an outdoor pool where guests can relax after a long day of sightseeing, Wyndham Legend Halong is located in Bai Chay in the Quang Ninh Region, just 6.5 km from Halong City. Most of the sleek-designed rooms offer views of either the sea or the Ha Long Bay. The nearest airport is Cat Bi International Airport, 65 km from Wyndham Legend Halong.
Novotel Ha Long Bay Hotel
Overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ha Long Bay, the Novotel Ha Long Bay Hotel offers 4-star comfort with an outdoor pool, open-air pool deck and on-site restaurant. Sun World Ha Long Park is 1 km from the hotel, while Vincom Plaza Ha Long is 4.4 km away. The nearest airport is Cat Bi International Airport, 36 km away.
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
Located on the private Reu Island, the luxurious 5-star Vinpearl Ha Long Bay Resort offers access to a private beach area and a relaxing spa. The nearest airport is Cat Bi International Airport, which is 68 km from Vinpearl Ha Long Bay Resort. Each spacious, air-conditioned room boasts a balcony, flat-screen cable TV, safe and minibar.
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What travelers say about Halong Bay
“Halong Bay might be busy and you might question whether to visit. That would be a mistake, for it is simply beautiful and a magical experience that you’ll never forget.”
“As soon as I saw the kayaks for hire, I knew that I would never forgive myself if I didn’t paddle my way between and even through these majestic towers of limestone and forests.”
With our Halong Bay travel guide below, you will unearth Halong Bay's treasures and learn where to go and stay in Halong Bay, what to do in Halong Bay and what to eat in Halong Bay.
Reasons to go to Halong Bay
Natural Beauty
Arguably one of Vietnam’s most beautiful settings, Halong Bay is home to an archipelago of more than 3000 stunning rain-forest covered peaks protruding out of glimmering emerald waters. Centuries of wind and water erosion have carved out grottos, complete with stalactites and stalagmites, to explore.
Adventure Activities
The azure waters and towering islands of Halong Bay attract adventure tourists of all ilks. From divers and snorkelers, to climbers and cavers and kayakers and hikers, it is the perfect destination for those seeking an infusion of adrenaline.
Cruising
The best way to witness the mesmerizing beauty of Halong Bay is from the deck of a cruise as it criss-crosses the bay and stops off at towering rainforest covered peaks.
Sailing directly from Hanoi for a one or two night adventure often including a night on Cat Ba Island or board a local vessel. Enjoy the charm of a traditional junk boat or save time on a modern and faster cruiser with air conditioning. Here, at Travala.com we prefer the more relaxed junk boats and a dip in the water to cool down
Where to stay in Halong Bay
Best cheap hotels in Halong Bay
Royal Villas
A 5-minute walk from Bai Chay Beach, Royal Casino Hotel & Villa Halong Bay features a casino, outdoor pool and 24-hour restaurant. Free parking and internet in rooms are provided. Rooms at Royal Villas Halong offer views of Halong Bay. All rooms are surrounded by landscaped gardens. Each room is fitted with a minibar, tea/coffee maker and safety deposit box.
Muong Thanh Grand Ha Long Hotel
Towering over the coast, Muong Thanh offers elegant accommodation with scenic views of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay. 4-star facilities include free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and gym. Ha Long Bay or city views can be enjoyed from seating areas located beside oversized windows. Muong Thanh Ha Long Hotel is about a 1.5-hour drive from Cat Bi International Airport.
Halong Palace Hotel
Located a 15-minute walk from Downtown Ha Long City and Bai Chay Beach, Halong Palace Hotel features a fitness centre and outdoor pool. Free WiFi is provided throughout the hotel. Cat Bi Domestic Airport is a 2-hour drive away. Modern rooms each overlook Halong Bay. A flat-screen cable TV, minibar and tea/coffee-making facilities are provided.
Golden Lotus Halong Hotel
Located in Ha Long (Bai Chay), Golden Lotus Halong Hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Sun World Ha Long Park and Queen Cable Car. This hotel is 11.7 mi (18.9 km) from Bai Tu Long Bay and 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Bai Chay Market. Make yourself at home in one of the 56 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and minibars.
Hotel recommendations in Halong Bay
Royal Halong Hotel
Centrally located in Ha Long City, Royal Halong Hotel features an indoor pool, a business centre and spacious rooms with views of the Halong Bay. Royal Halong Hotel is just 1 km to Bai Chay Beach and SunWorld Park and within 2.5 km to Bai Chay Bridge. Noi Bai International Airport is approximately a 2 hour and 30-minute drive away.
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
Located on the private Reu Island, the luxurious 5-star Vinpearl Ha Long Bay Resort offers access to a private beach area and a relaxing spa. The nearest airport is Cat Bi International Airport, which is 68 km from Vinpearl Ha Long Bay Resort. Each spacious, air-conditioned room boasts a balcony, flat-screen cable TV, safe and minibar.
Muong Thanh Luxury Quang Ninh Hotel
Located in Ha Long City, Muong Thanh Quang Ninh Hotel is 800 metres from Bai Chay Beach, while both Halong Night Market and Marine Plaza are 4 km away. Offering free WiFi access, it houses an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a sauna. Rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a personal safe, a minibar and coffee/tea making amenities.
Novotel Ha Long Bay
Overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ha Long Bay, the Novotel Ha Long Bay Hotel offers 4-star comfort with an outdoor pool, open-air pool deck and on-site restaurant. Sun World Ha Long Park is 1 km from the hotel, while Vincom Plaza Ha Long is 4.4 km away. The nearest airport is Cat Bi International Airport, 36 km away.
FAQs about hotels in Halong Bay
What are the best areas to stay in Halong Bay?
While Cat Ba island offers a wonderful selection of hotels to stay while visiting Halong Bay, a popular alternative is to spend the night being rocked to sleep by the gentle rhythmic notion of the sea while sleeping onboard a cruise boat.
Others choose to stay on the mainland in Halong City where there are more amenities and entertainment.
What are the best hotels in Halong Bay?
Novotel Ha Long Bay, Royal Villas, Starcity Halong Bay Hotel are some of the best hotels in Halong Bay.
What are the best luxury Halong bay hotels?
One of the best luxury hotels in Halong Bay are Muong Thanh Luxury Quang Ninh, Wyndham Legend Halong, Halong Palace Hotel.
What are the best Halong bay beach resorts?
You are a beach lover, try one of the following best beach resorts in Halong Bay: Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, La Paz Resort Tuan Chau Ha Long, FLC Halong Bay Golf Club & Luxury Resort.
Which hotels in Halong Bay have nice views?
If you look for a hotel with nice views in Halong Bay, here is the list: Novotel Ha Long Bay, Halong Plaza Hotel, Muong Thanh Luxury Quang Ninh.
Which hotels in Halong bay are best for couples?
Some of the best hotels in Halong Bay for couples include Royal Lotus Ha Long Resort & Villas, Iris Hotel, Halong Pearl Hotel.
Which hotels in Halong bay are best for families?
Some of the best hotels in Halong Bay for families are Paradise Trend Hotel, Halong Pearl Hotel, Saigon Halong Hotel.
What people say about hotels in Halong Bay
“Excellent beach hotel. Good for sightseeing and has a beach nearby. Great room.”
Rated 4.3/5 for Wyndham Legend Halong Hotel based on reviews from all travelers.
“Very good for traveling with friends. Close to the beach with many options for eating and drinking.”
Rated 4.4/5 for Novotel Ha Long Bay, based on reviews from all travelers.
“Very good hotel. Great rooms and fantastic service. Great pool. Awesome vibe.”
Rated 4.1/5 for Royal Villas, based on reviews from all travelers.
Top 5 things to do in Halong Bay
Take a cruise
The best way to witness the mesmerizing beauty of Halong Bay is from the deck of a cruise as it criss-crosses the bay and stops off at towering rainforest covered peaks.
You can either sail directly from Hanoi for a one or two night adventure or board a local vessel. Enjoy the charm of a traditional junk boat or save time on a modern and faster cruiser with air conditioning. Here, at Travala.com we prefer the more relaxed junk boats and a dip in the water to cool down.
Kayak
Kayaking between the islands and through the caves of Halong Bay will give you a more intimate experience but with peak travel periods bringing many boats to the bay, you might want to find a more remote and secluded area to kayak. You’ll be able to skim across calm waters and discover hidden pockets of beauty as you zig zag between the islands. Kayaks can be hired on Cat Ba Island.
Go spelunking at Sung Sot Cave
The islands of Halong Bay are home to cave systems, many undiscovered, but one of the most visited and accessible caves is Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave).
Located on Bo Hon Island, access is via around 100 steps and rewarded with 10,000 square metres of caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. At 30 metres high and with a 500 metre paved and well lit passage, it is ideal for those not wishing to crawl into small and dark spaces.
Go snorkeling or diving
The crystal clear waters of Halong Bay provide an ideal opportunity to view rare corals and potentially sea turtles, sea horses. And other marine species.
Head to Cong Do Island for its secluded and protected sea for a snorkeling or diving experience that you will not forget.
Visit Cat Ba Island
As Halong Bay’s largest Island, Cat Ba Island is where you’ll find several high quality hotels, the start of many tours and some land based activities in the Cat Ba National Park. Covering a third of the island, it has few roads and well marked trails making it perfect for walking and biking while the island’s three beaches are ideal early morning (before the cruises arrive) swimming spots. Some two and three night cruises will include a night on the island.
Explore Monkey Island
Cat Dua Island otherwise known as Monkey Island has an idyllic white sand beach and is home to monkeys which while being approachable can be a little aggressive. In addition to being a stunning sunbathing and swimming spot, Monkey Island has several scenic trails and a slight incline offering some tantalising views across the bay. Stop here as part of an organised tour or kayak over for a picnic.
Trip Inspiration
DAY TRIPS
24 hours in Halong Bay
Should you only have 24 hours to spend in Halong Bay, you might want to combine the travel time to Halong Bay with the experience by booking and setting off from Hanoi and setting sail from Halong City.
48 hours in Halong Bay
With 48 hours to explore Halong Bay, we recommend spending a night on board a boat moored in a stunning island bay or in one of the island hotels on Cat Ba Island.
MULTI-DAY TOURS
Hanoi - Halong Bay
To make the most of a tour of the idyllic Halong Bay, book a two or three day tour that includes an overnight stay on a boat and/or Cat Ba Island.
Halong Bay - Hue
Combine the delights and charm of Hue, with its Imperial City, Dai Noi Citadel and its location on the Perfume River with the natural beauty of Halong Bay.
Halong Bay - Sapa
Swap the azure waters and towering peaks of Halong Bay for the terraced slopes of rice in Sapa. Enjoy trekking in the valley or take the aerial tram for unbelievable views below.
Everything you need to know about Halong Bay
Located in the north of Vietnam, Halong has a similar climate to Hanoi with the most popular (i.e. crowded) months to visit being October to December due to comfortable temperatures and a relatively low chance of rain. Visiting between June to September brings higher sea temperatures and more blue skies but with the risk of storms and typhoons. Here, at Travala.com we would recommend arriving between March and May as you will enjoy warm weather with only slightly more rain than in the Fall months of October – December. Visit both Halong Bay and Hanoi in April and experience Reunification Day.
The fastest and most, efficient way to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi is to fly. Landing at Tuan Chau Island Marina, the flight is an unforgettable experience ideal for those that are time poor and cash rich with the 1 hour and 30 minutes round trip costing a minimum of $660 USD per person.
The cheaper and more time consuming alternatives are to take the train from Hanoi or the bus.
With over 3000 islands, you have a variety of transport methods. As long as they are by sea. We love sea kayaking and paddle boarding, so the opportunity to explore Halong under our own steam is one we couldn’t resist. For a more relaxing and less strenuous experience you may prefer a scenic cruise.
Although you will be able to pick up souvenirs, do not expect the same level of commerce as you might find in Hanoi. However, do look out for floating shops selling an array of consumables including alcohol, potato crisps and cigarettes.
Away from the islands, children of all ages will love Sun World Halong Complex, Halong Bay’s entertainment and recreation cluster within a coastal entertainment park. It includes theme and water parks and an awesome cable car experience.
At night, many return to Bai Chay Beach where pubs, nightclubs and casinos await. Take a walk through the Halong night market and be sure to haggle as prices here for travellers are inflated. End the night watching over the city from the Rooftop Cafe and Bar.
Wherever you go in Vietnam, the cuisine is renowned and revered. Those traveling to Halong Bay will be equally spoiled with a smorgasbord of sumptuous seafood on offer. The waters of Halong are awash with marine life and the local hotels and restaurants create a range of seafood dishes that are a treat for any taste bud.
FAQs about Halong Bay
How many days should I spend in Halong Bay?
To fully experience and enjoy all that Halong Bay has to offer, we would highly recommend at least two or three days. This will enable you to potentially spend a night on a boat and/or Cat Ba Island.
When is the best time to visit Halong Bay?
With long periods of sunshine, relatively light rain and reasonable water and air temperatures October to December and March to May are arguably the best times to visit Halong Bay.
What is the best local food in Halong Bay?
For fresher than fresh seafood, Halong Bay is the ultimate destination. Try “Drunken lobster and prawn” a dish full of lemongrass and either vodka or beer. Alternatively, and if you are quite adventurous, why not try a Vietnam delicacy of Sa Sung. Don’t let the fact that it’s worms put you off.
How is Halong Bay nightlife?
After a day cruising in Halong Bay, make your way to Bai Chay Beach where bars, nightclubs and casinos await. Take a walk through the Halong night market and be sure to haggle as prices here for travellers are inflated. End the night watching over the city from the Rooftop Cafe and Bar.